This full-detail NASCAR kit is comprised of 104 parts and rated a skill level 5. A bonus? It includes a driver figure that grips the wheel when installed in the seat!

The Ford’s engine appears accurate and was a pleasure to assemble. I used a variety of metalizer paints, including aluminum, magnesium, and titanium on various components.

Mating the engine to the chassis was a little tricky, so I removed a tab from the transmission cross member.

One thing that caught my eye on the chassis plate was the amount of ejector-pin marks, 29 of them. For the detail-oriented builder, it will take time to fill them, plus a few are in tricky spots.

I followed the instructions closely, except for the cage assembly, and found no trouble spots along the way. The built-up platform is impressive and even includes details for the trunk and fuel cell.

Thankfully Revell has applied the frit, or the blackened edges, to the inside of all the windows, which mount from the outside and fit superbly. A couple sprue connecting points were ill-placed, which I touched-up with a black marker.

The body appears accurate. It includes both a rear spoiler and a deck fin, which is the piece of polycarbonate that runs down the left C-pillar and onto the trunk to aid in the car’s downforce.

Masking and painting the body can be tricky and merits the kit’s skill level 5 rating.

Applying decals is my favorite part of any build, and this Fusion did not disappoint. Typical of Revell, these waterslide decals are durable and easy to work with. All sponsors are represented except a certain wheel sponsor and beer sponsor, whose logo appears on the 1:1 car’s rear quarter panel.

The two tail lamps have complex curvatures, and I had difficulty getting these decals to lay down correctly. Use plenty of decal solvent and a little heat to do the trick.

Looking at the white decals that cover black paint, some bleed-through is evident. Many modelers will resolve this by doubling up, putting down two decals back-to-back to block out the darker color. I’d definitely do the same given the chance.

In the final assembly, I was happy to see that the body slipped over its chassis with ease.

Thanks to connection points at the front of the dashboard and at the rear package shelf, the body and chassis can remain connected while still holding up during handling.

As with many models, I’m rarely satisfied with how the wheels fit in the wheel openings, and this kit was no exception.

The Fusion’s wheels mount to the hubs via metal pins. Upon test fitting, the front wheels are especially ill-fitting as they stick too far out from the body line.

To remedy this, and to better mimic what you see on the 1:1 car, I eliminated the pins and brake rotors. I glued the wheel backs directly to the hubs and lowered the overall ride height.

There’s no doubt that the NASCAR faithful are thrilled to have a new, accurate, full-detail NASCAR Ford Fusion.

A new Chevrolet SS, which shares many of the same underpinnings, is soon to follow. I highly recommend this kit for seasoned NASCAR fans or for anyone up for a new challenge.